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Senior leaders help give back to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman Rebekah Phy
  • McGuire Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Senior-ranking personnel here recently contributed in efforts to add a mini-movie theater to the Airmen's Firehouse for junior Airmen to enjoy.

When Air Mobility Command Commander Gen. Duncan J. McNabb visited McGuire in late-September, he and his wife suggested an upgrade to the firehouse to benefit the Airmen.

"Everyone's been working hard and there's no sign of that letting up," said Col. Bill Spacy, 305th Air Mobility Wing vice commander. "After General McNabb's suggestion and generous contribution, we are able to put together a small theater here and purchase movies so we can give back to our Airmen.

"We hope to provide the Airmen with an environment where they can come and relax with their peers," Colonel Spacy said. "This gives them a place to get together locally, with no pressure to drink, or anything else, in a home-like setting."

Other servicemembers who assisted in the renovations seem to agree.

"This is a better quality of life for our Airmen, and it gives them an alternative to getting in trouble," said Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, 305th Security Forces manager.

The assistance from the senior leaders in the renovations took place over a three-day period with three shifts each day. New paint and a wooden platform for the seats were added to the firehouse by the senior leaders.

A total of 28 senior-ranking servicemembers assisted over the three-day period, and the 305th Services Squadron, several project managers and contractors continue to help to make these improvements possible.

A mini-movie theater, complete with new carpet, DVD's and video games, is scheduled to arrive in the near future. The firehouse is scheduled for completion in December.

"This is a good example of the senior-ranking individuals taking care of their younger enlisted troops," said 1st Lt. Daniel Avni, 305th Civil Engineer Squadron Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Require-ments officer in charge.

"This is fantastic for our Airmen - I think every base should have something like this," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Kaiser, 621st Contingency Response Wing command chief and assistant in the renovations. "The Airmen pretty much run this place (the Airmen's Firehouse.) It's not like there's a lot of NCO's running around here - they can feel empowered here," he said. "These are the types of things we should be doing."

The benefits of the improved Airmen's Firehouse seem to make all of the planning, coordinating and diligence worth it.

"I'll be glad to see the end result of all the hard work and effort everyone put in," said Senior Airman Jacob McCarty, 305th CES SABER project manager and head manager in the firehouse renovations.

The Airmen's Firehouse is run by the community center and offers quick training to those who would like to sign out the key to open the firehouse. The Airmen's Firehouse is for all Airmen, E-1 to E-4, and is open as long as there is a volunteer. Civilian and higher-ranking individuals can be brought as guests. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Katie Bahosh, or any community center employee at (609) 754-1483.